Gordon-Levitt takes to the high wire in "The Walk"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt premieres his latest film ''The Walk,'' which tells the true story of Philippe Petit's hire wire walk between the World Trade Center towers. John Russell reports.

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt couldn't really cross a high wire between the World Trade Center towers for his new film, "The Walk," but he learned how to tight rope walk from the man who did, Philippe Petit.
Levitt and Petit hit the red carpet in New York City on Sunday (September 27) for the film's premiere, which details the story of Petit's 1974 feat.
SOUNDBITE Joseph Gordon-Levitt, saying (English):
"Our inner voices say 'You can't. It'll never work. You should just give up. Here's the story of a man who wouldn't listen to all those voices and just pursued his dream anyway. I think that's an inspiring story worth telling."
Petit's 1,300 foot high crossing between the towers was unauthorized; he and a group of friends spent months planning how to pull it off.
In the end, Petit walked between the buildings eight times over a matter of 45 minutes. Charges against him were filed but were eventually dropped by the city.
The 66-year old stuntman came to the aid of Levitt, acting as the actor's teacher for the movie.
SOUNDBITE Joseph Gordon-Levitt, saying (English):
"He, in fact, insisted on being the one to teach me how to walk on a high wire and, not everyone who is good at something is also good at teaching it, and he's actually a fantastic teacher."
Petit said their training was intensive, but that Levitt was a fast learner.
"The Walk" opens in U.S. theaters on September 30.

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